Sidi has been in the business of making various forms of sports footwear for 50 years. And though it established its reputation by producing ski boots and bicycling shoes, the Italian company honed in its motorcycle boots production in 1969 when it enlisted the services of MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini to help fine tune its motorcycle riding boots. A pair of Sidi On Road Gore-Tex Boots recently showed up in the office with a reputation as a durable set of all-purpose boots that were extremely waterproof. We’ve been putting those claims to the test over the last couple of months.

The Sidi On Road boots are all-black and made of top grain Italian leather. The boots are tall, covering up most of the shin and calf muscle. The extra height came in handy when it saved my shin from the brunt of a foot peg bashing while backing a bike out of my driveway. If you’re not accustomed to wearing tall boots, there is a break-in period where you may walk a little stiffly because they don’t bend easily in the area at the top of the foot, but after a few rides the leather breaks in and this inconvenience disappears.

The On Road boots utilize three Velcro closure systems to dial in the fit, a wide top gaiter and two smaller straps above and below the ankle. You’ll need to unfasten all three to get your foot in the boot because even though it’s plenty wide at the top, it tapers around the arch. They still pull off and on with little hassle. Sizing is a tad bigger than a street shoe, which leaves enough room to tuck in riding pants or to wear thick socks.

There’s no steel shank but the toes are firmly reinforced. The top of the boots have an extra layer of leather sewn on them where the shift and brake levers rub. More protection is provided by an ankle cup and a padded shin plate. Sidi also double stitched the On Roads in all the high-stress areas. We’ve been abusing the boots for a couple of months and except for a few wrinkles at flex points, they still look brand-new, a testimony to the high quality materials and solid stitching Sidi uses in their manufacture. And despite its heavy-duty construction, the boots aren’t overly heavy.

Just beneath the On Road’s full grain leather exterior is a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane. Its claim as being 100% waterproof was put to the test when I got caught out in a summer squall during Laconia Bike Week and the boots came through with flying colors. Even though I got drenched through the perforated jacket I was wearing, my socks were dry and my feet were warm. The boots offer plenty of insulation on cold mornings, but can get a tad toasty on hot days.

The On Roads have a lug sole that are super grippy on footpegs. The tacky lug soles also provide solid traction on asphalt when it’s time to push your bike back out of a parking spot or driveway. The soles aren’t excessively thick and the boots are comfortable enough to walk around in all day after you get them broken in. The tall cut supports the ankles when walking and inside there’s a soft cloth liner that adds to the cozy fit. A removable inner sole with arch support eventually conforms to the shape of your foot and adds to the boots all-day comfort factor.

The final criteria, styling, is subjective, but it’s also one of the most important. The way a pair of boots looks is the first thing that catches a consumer’s eyes. The On Roads have a rugged design, nondescript on one side and stormtrooper-tough on the other with its trio of leather straps and flaps. All branding is succinct, with the three black Sidi logos blending in instead of sticking out. The exterior is all black leather and cleans up quickly with a few swipes from a damp cloth. The design is clean and masculine without being over the top.

With a price tag of $325, the On Roads aren’t the cheapest pair of boots. Ever hear of the old adage you get what you pay for? Sure, they may cost a bit more, but they may be just about the most waterproof riding boots around. Add to the equation their solid construction, the high quality of the materials, and a classic design that never gets old and you’ve got an investment that should last for years of riding. 

Sidi On Road Gore-Tex Boots MSRP $325
Buy them now at the Motorcycle Superstore!